Build career skills in wastewater treatment with the UW–Madison’s Wastewater Systems Certificate. Develop comprehensive expertise in wastewater systems and apply best practices to enhance your organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Our course formats provide ultimate flexibility for working professionals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Build Expertise in Core Principles of Wastewater Treatment and Collection Systems — Gain foundational knowledge in wastewater treatment processes, sanitary sewer collection systems, and nutrient removal, including how these are applied in real-world engineering and operational environments.
- Apply Best Practices in System Design, Operation, and Asset Management — Utilize proven methods in wastewater pump station design, asset management for water and wastewater utilities, and system-level planning to improve performance and reliability.
- Adapt Technologies to Your Facility and Career Goals — Explore the latest developments in wastewater microbiology, industrial blower systems, and instrumentation and control to enhance your own utility, plant, or municipal projects.
- Collaborate Across Engineering and Utility Teams — Strengthen your ability to work with engineering, operations, maintenance, and regulatory teams to implement custom wastewater applications and system-wide improvements.
Courses (click for available dates)
Who Is This Certificate For?
Designed for engineers, operators, managers, municipal staff, consultants, regulators, manufacturers, and others who work with or support professionals in the wastewater industry.
Certificate Requirements
To earn this certificate, complete the following:
5 required courses
1 elective course
Two check-in meetings with the Program Director, including one at completion of all courses.
Time & Cost
Time to completion: 2-3 years, based on individual schedule and course availability.
Cost: Courses are priced as marked. 10% discount for certificate participants.
Commit to Your Career
Take the next step toward enhancing your expertise and career opportunities. There is no cost or commitment to enroll in the certificate—by signing up you will receive discounts on individual courses and periodic program updates.
Program Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
A: No, you may complete them in any order.
Q: Can I sign up for the certificate if I’ve already taken some of the required or elective courses?
A: Yes! You can sign up anytime. Any eligible courses you have already taken can be applied toward the certificate.
Q: Is the certificate recognized for CEUs?
A: CEUs are awarded for each course completed. Note that some requirements can vary by state—check your state’s requirements to verify that you are eligible to claim the hours.
Q: What topics are covered in the Wastewater Systems Certificate?
A: Topics include wastewater treatment processes, sanitary sewer collection systems, industrial blower software, nutrient removal, and wastewater microbiology, all taught through flexible in-person or online wastewater courses.
Q: Is this certificate recognized by industry or government agencies?
A: This certificate is granted from University of Wisconsin-Madison and is therefore recognized broadly, but it is not a licensure program. It supports continuing education for professionals working in wastewater systems and roles.
Q: Do I need a background in engineering to enroll?
A: No. The program is designed for a wide range of professionals, including those in utility operations and facilities management, not just engineers. It’s an accessible entry point for anyone pursuing wastewater skills. However, participants will typically benefit most when they have some experience in the field or when they are actively applying it in their work.
Q: Do I need to travel to Wisconsin to take courses?
A: No. All of the courses have an online option. Our HyFlex format allows for in-person attendance but is also streamed online (therefore it is both in-person and online at the same time). For more information, see the individual web pages for each course.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a full online wastewater degree?
A: This certificate is not part of a degree and is shorter-term. It is part of what are called “non-credit” courses. It’s ideal for professionals who need focused wastewater training classes without committing to a full degree program.
Q: Can I take courses related to wastewater engineering and collection system design?
A: Yes. You’ll explore wastewater engineering courses, including wastewater collection system modeling and design, and custom wastewater applications.
Q: Is this suitable for people already working in wastewater program management?
A: Definitely. This certificate is designed for professionals managing treatment plants, collection systems, or working in wastewater management.
Q: Are the courses 100% online?
A: The courses vary in format. Formats include: Live Online, Self-Paced Online (Anytime/Anywhere with recorded content), and HyFlex which allows for in-person attendance but is also streamed online (therefore it is both in-person and online at the same time). For more information, see the individual web pages for each course.
Q: Are there group discounts or employer-billing options for organizations sending multiple staff?
A: Yes—organizations that enroll large groups can receive custom discounts. Please reach out to the Program Director for more information.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Adib Amini for more details or to request information about this Wastewater Systems Certificate or upcoming sessions.
Sign up for the Wastewater Systems Certificate
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